Scaly male fern 'Polydactyla Mapplebeck' Dryopteris affinis (Polydactyla Group) 'Polydactyla Mapplebeck'

Water

The Scaly Male Fern should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. A good rule of thumb is watering approximately once every week to ten days, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Provide the plant with about 16 ounces of water each time, ensuring that the water reaches deep into the root zone without leaving the plant in standing water, which can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering since the plant will be in a dormant state.

Light

Scaly Male Fern thrives in dappled shade, ideally benefiting from filtered sunlight rather than direct exposure which can scorch its fronds. The best spot for this fern is in a north-facing or east-facing room where it can receive gentle morning light or indirect light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in the full afternoon sun to prevent damage to its delicate leaves.

Temperature

The Scaly Male Fern prefers a moderate temperature range and can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not tolerant of extreme cold, so it's important to keep it away from drafty windows and doors during the winter months.

Pruning

Pruning the Scaly Male Fern is primarily to remove any brown or damaged fronds, which should be cut back to the base to maintain the plant's appearance and health. This task is best done in the spring to make way for new growth. Pruning is not frequently required but can be performed as needed when you notice dead or unsightly foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Golden Male Fern needs a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand is ideal, providing moisture retention and aeration. Incorporating organic matter like leaf mold can also benefit the plant's growth.

Repotting

The Golden Male Fern should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot when the plant has outgrown its current container or when the soil has become compacted, which can hinder the fern's root growth and health.

Humidity & Misting

Golden Male Fern thrives in high humidity conditions. The ideal humidity level for this fern is around 60 to 80%. Maintaining such humidity levels can be crucial for the fern's lush, green fronds and overall health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  In shade or part-shade, sheltered from wind and extremes.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Golden Male Fern (Dryopteris affinis 'Polydactyla Mapplebeck') begins with the dispersal of spores, typically carried by wind to suitable moist and shaded locations. These spores germinate to produce a heart-shaped gametophyte, known as a prothallus, which is an independent, albeit short-lived, life stage. The prothallus houses both male and female reproductive organs that, upon maturation, allow for fertilization in a water film, leading to the formation of a zygote. The zygote then develops into a new sporophyte – the familiar fern plant – initially as a small fiddlehead that emerges from the ground. As the sporophyte matures, it unfurls its fronds, which grow in size and may exhibit the distinctively forked tips characteristic of this cultivar. Throughout its life, the mature fern undergoes periods of growth and dormancy, maintaining a perennial existence by producing more spores to continue the reproductive cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Dryopteris affinis, commonly known as the Golden-scaled male fern, is through spore collection and sowing. The ideal time to collect spores from this fern is when the spore cases on the underside of the fronds turn brown, typically in late summer. To propagate, one would gather the fronds with ripe spores and place them in a paper bag to dry. After a few days, the spores can be shaken out and sown on the surface of a sterilized peat-based compost in a container. The container should then be covered with glass or plastic to maintain humidity and placed in indirect light at a temperature around 70°F (21°C). Germination is slow and may take several weeks to several months, after which the tiny ferns can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on.